Next time you're reading your child's favorite bedtime story, take a closer look at the book. You may discover it was published in New Jersey.

Independent publisher Blue Apple Books, based in Maplewood, is putting out more than 40 titles a year.

Founder Harriet Ziefert and Creative Director Elliot Kreloff say children's tastes have changed over the years, and that's reflected in books like "Ruckus on the Ranch," which Blue Apple is set to release next month.

"Kids are much more savvy, much more smart-alecky; they're used to wiser humor," Kreloff says.